Waste prevention

• Conduct building waste audits and identify major waste streams
• Set printers and copiers defaults to print double-sided
• Promote use of electronic forms, notices, payments, etc.
• Take steps necessary to reduce junk mail
• Reuse single sided copies and prints for draft prints or for scrap paper
• Purchase in bulk and concentrate where possible to eliminate packaging waste
• Select products and suppliers that minimize packaging
• Reuse boxes and packaging whenever possible
• Encourage employees to bring their own mug, water bottle, etc.
• Use reusable glassware and tableware at meetings and events
• Develop a program where city departments and agencies are able to post and view surplus furniture, office equipment and other durable goods for reuse

Recycle

• Start or expand your recycling program
  • mixed stream for plastic, glass and metals is often more effective than single stream (requires sorting)
• Include recycling of phonebooks, ink cartridges, electronics, cell phones, batteries
• Implement a policy requiring all used/obsolete office equipment be sent to a non-profit salvage company

Compost

• Compost and or mulch landscape waste from city properties
• Require contracts with caterers and food service providers to include composting of pre-consumer waste.

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Additional resources and best practices

Local best practices

• Oberlin uses landfill gas, and is working on legislation to expand its landfill gas use
• Cleveland is currently conducting a study to determine the best ways to implement waste to energy production